Question 1

Origin of “natural gasoline”: Natural gasoline is best described as being produced by which of the following routes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The term “natural gasoline” refers to liquid hydrocarbons (mainly C5+) recovered from natural gas through field separation or gas plant processing. It is distinct from finished gasoline made in refineries and from LNG/LPG products. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed is wet natural gas with heavier hydrocarbons. Processing involves cooling, compression, expansion, and fractionation. End product is a condensate/natural gasoline stream suitable for blending. Concept / Approach: By lowering temperature and/or increasing pressure, heavier hydrocarbons condense and can be separated as a pentanes-plus liquid. This condensed liquid is called natural gasoline. It is not the same as refinery reformate or polymer gasoline and is not simply “a distillate from an oil well” in the refining sense, though it may be produced at or near well sites. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify wet gas processing: separation of C5+ via condensate formation and stabilization.2) Match to the term “natural gasoline”.3) Exclude options describing refinery conversion processes (reforming/polymerisation) or vague “none.” Verification / Alternative check: Gas plant flowsheets (e.g., NGL recovery) routinely show a natural gasoline/pentanes-plus product stream sent to storage or refinery blending. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Refinery reforming produces reformate, not natural gasoline.Polymer gasoline is a separate product from olefin polymerisation units.“From oil wells as a direct crude distillate” misstates the gas-plant origin of natural gasoline. Common Pitfalls: Equating the word “gasoline” with only refinery-made motor fuel; natural gasoline is a specific gas-plant liquid stream. Final Answer: by natural gas stripping/condensation of C5+ (pentanes-plus) from gas streams

Question 2

Petroleum refining – straight-run distillation In crude oil atmospheric/vacuum distillation (without cracking), what is a typical percentage yield of straight-run naphtha obtained directly from the crude?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In refinery practice, the crude distillation unit (CDU) and, where used, the vacuum distillation unit (VDU) separate crude oil into straight-run fractions by boiling range without chemical conversion. One of the most important light products from straight-run fractionation is naphtha, which is later treated, reformed, or isomerised for gasoline blending and petrochemical use. Knowing a typical straight-run naphtha yield helps with rough material balances and exam questions about slate distribution. Given Data / Assumptions: Process: straight-run atmospheric/vacuum distillation only (no cracking or reforming). Desired: a typical percentage yield (by volume or weight trend) asked in exam style; choose the closest option. Feed: a representative medium crude; not a condensate-rich edge case. Concept / Approach: Crude assays for common medium crudes often show straight-run naphtha in a low-to-mid teens percent range, while lighter condensates may give higher values and heavy/sour crudes somewhat lower. Exam keys typically anchor on a simple round figure near the middle of this typical band. Among the offered choices, 12 is a standard teaching value for straight-run naphtha yield from a representative crude slate. Step-by-Step Solution: List plausible straight-run naphtha yields for medium crudes: roughly 10–20 percent.Compare with the options 2, 6, 12, 18.2 and 6 are too low for most medium crudes; 18 can occur for light/condensate crudes but is on the higher side for a typical exam assumption.Select the mid-range value 12 as the representative typical yield. Verification / Alternative check: Introductory refinery texts and crude assay tables commonly show straight-run naphtha of about 10–15 percent for medium crudes, aligning well with 12 as a round, memorable figure for examinations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 2: Unusually low; would indicate a very heavy crude or atypical cut definition. 6: Still lower than common medium-crude assays. 18: Possible for very light crudes/condensates but not representative of a typical “about” value. Common Pitfalls: Confusing straight-run naphtha with total gasoline after conversion (reforming/FCC), which is higher. Also mixing weight vs volume percent does not change the ordering of options here. Final Answer: 12

Question 3

Kerosene improvement by Edeleanu extraction Raw kerosene has a smoke point of 15 mm. After dearomatisation using liquid SO2 extraction (Edeleanu process), to what typical smoke point value may it increase?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Smoke point is a classic indicator of kerosene burning quality. Lower aromatic content generally yields a higher smoke point, signifying a cleaner, less sooty flame. The Edeleanu process selectively extracts aromatics from kerosene using liquid sulphur dioxide at low temperature, improving combustion characteristics. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed kerosene smoke point: 15 mm (raw). Treatment: Edeleanu dearomatisation with liquid SO2. We seek the typical improved smoke point after such extraction. Concept / Approach: Because aromatics foster soot formation, removing them increases smoke point. Industrial and exam-style benchmarks commonly cite post-extraction smoke points in the mid-20 mm region for a previously 15 mm sample, depending on cut severity and extraction ratio. Thus, a rise to about 25 mm is a realistic and widely taught result. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognise that smoke point increases when aromatics are selectively reduced.From a starting 15 mm, moderate extraction generally targets mid-20s mm outcomes.Among the options, 25 matches typical improvement without being unrealistic. Verification / Alternative check: Refining texts link aromatic extraction (Edeleanu or similar) to smoke-point uplift; product specs often require >20 mm for better burning fuels, consistent with an increase to ~25 mm. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10 / 5: Lower than the raw 15 mm; extraction should raise, not reduce, smoke point. 100: Unrealistically high for kerosene; far above normal specification ranges. Common Pitfalls: Interpreting smoke point as directly measuring aromatics; it is an indirect combustion metric improved by lowering aromatics. Final Answer: 25

Question 4

Polymerisation in refining chemistry Which statement correctly describes the essence and purpose of refinery polymerisation processes applied to cracked gas streams?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Early gasoline upgrading relied on converting light, unsaturated components from cracking units into higher-value gasoline-range hydrocarbons. Polymerisation and alkylation are two classic routes, often confused in exams because both increase molecular size but by different mechanisms and feed combinations. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed focus: light olefins in cracked gases (e.g., propene, butenes). Objective: produce gasoline-range hydrocarbons with improved octane. Comparison with alkylation (olefin + iso-paraffin) is implied. Concept / Approach: Polymerisation (acid-catalysed or on solid acids) couples olefin molecules with each other to form higher olefins (dimer, trimer, etc.), which after hydrogenation yield high-octane blending stocks called polymer gasoline. In contrast, alkylation reacts an olefin with an iso-paraffin (commonly isobutane) to form a high-octane iso-paraffin such as isooctane. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify polymerisation as olefin-to-olefin coupling.Recognise the products are higher olefins later finished to gasoline components.Select the statement that explicitly says “olefins combine with each other.” Verification / Alternative check: Process flow descriptions separate polymerisation (olefin + olefin) from alkylation (olefin + isoparaffin), preventing confusion about i-octane formation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Produces i-octane from i-butane and butene: That is alkylation, not polymerisation. Aromatics combine with each other: Not the refinery polymerisation of interest for gasoline making. Produces lube base stocks: Lube production uses dewaxing, hydrocracking, solvent refining; polymerisation is not the primary route. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the similar goals (octane uplift) of polymerisation and alkylation; always check the reacting families. Final Answer: Causes olefins to combine with each other to form higher olefins/gasoline-range material

Question 5

Alkylation fundamentals What does refinery alkylation do, in terms of the reacting hydrocarbon families and the resulting product type?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Alkylation is a cornerstone gasoline upgrading process in which light olefins from FCC/cokers react with isobutane to produce high-octane, low-vapour-pressure isoparaffins (alkylate). It complements polymerisation and reforming in shaping the gasoline pool. Given Data / Assumptions: Feeds: light olefins (e.g., propene, butenes) and iso-paraffin (typically isobutane). Catalysts: strong acids (HF or H2SO4) in conventional units. Desired: high-octane iso-paraffinic product such as C7–C9 isoparaffins. Concept / Approach: Mechanistically, a carbocation formed from the olefin reacts with isobutane, leading to a branched isoparaffin product. This is distinct from polymerisation (olefin + olefin). The alkylate produced is prized for octane and clean burning. Step-by-Step Solution: Distinguish family pairing: alkylation = olefin + iso-paraffin.Recognise the product identity: larger iso-paraffins (alkylate gasoline).Choose the option that states this pairing explicitly. Verification / Alternative check: Refinery flow diagrams consistently show isobutane recycle and olefin feed to the alkylation reactor, confirming the correct chemistry. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Olefins with each other: That is polymerisation. Iso-paraffin to olefin / olefin to normal paraffin: Not representative of alkylation's net transformation. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any octane-boosting process is alkylation; check the co-reactant (isobutane) to be sure. Final Answer: Causes olefins to combine with iso-paraffins to form higher iso-paraffins

Question 6

Effects of sulphur in gasoline Which statement best describes the impact of sulphur compounds naturally present in gasoline on equipment and fuel quality?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sulphur occurs in crude-derived gasoline as a range of organosulphur compounds (e.g., mercaptans, sulfides, thiophenes). Even at low levels it influences corrosion risk, exhaust emissions, and the performance/longevity of aftertreatment systems (e.g., catalysts). Understanding these effects informs hydrotreating targets and fuel specifications. Given Data / Assumptions: Gasoline contains minor sulphur species prior to deep desulfurisation. We assess broad qualitative impacts relevant to operations and quality. Legacy leaded-fuel notions are not to be conflated with modern practice. Concept / Approach: Sulphur compounds can be corrosive directly or form acids upon combustion (e.g., SO2/SO3 with moisture). They also poison catalysts and impair aftertreatment. Historically, sulphur reduces lead susceptibility (response to tetraethyl lead), not increases it, and it does not prevent gum; rather, oxidised sulphur species may contribute to instability. Therefore, the reliable, general statement is that sulphur leads to corrosion and is undesirable. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify corrosion and catalyst poisoning as primary sulphur concerns.Note that claims about increased lead susceptibility are contrary to legacy data.Reject statements that sulphur decreases gum or aids stabilisation. Verification / Alternative check: Fuel standards progressively tightened sulphur limits (ppm levels) precisely to mitigate corrosion, emissions, and catalyst poisoning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Increases lead susceptibility: Historically the opposite trend; not applicable to unleaded eras. Decreases gum / Helps stabilisation: Sulphur does not enhance storage stability; antioxidants address gum, not sulphur. Common Pitfalls: Confusing sulfur's role with that of antioxidants or deposit control additives; also mixing historical leaded-fuel context with modern fuels. Final Answer: Leads to corrosion in fuel systems and exhaust aftertreatment

Question 7

Definitions of ignition temperatures for liquid petrofuels At which characteristic temperature is only a brief, momentary flashing observed when a test flame is applied to the fuel surface?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Safe storage and handling of liquid fuels depend on understanding standard temperature definitions: flash point, fire point, and autoignition temperature. These are measured under controlled test methods to classify flammability hazards and set equipment and regulatory limits. Given Data / Assumptions: We consider common closed- or open-cup flash point tests as defined in standards. Momentary ignition (a brief flash that does not sustain) is the behaviour of interest. We are not discussing combustion chamber flame temperatures or viscosity-related preheating. Concept / Approach: The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapour to form an ignitable mixture near its surface and momentarily flashes when a small flame is applied. The fire point is slightly higher, at which sustained combustion continues for at least several seconds. The other listed temperatures are unrelated to this specific definition. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall: brief, non-sustained ignition corresponds to flash point.Recognise that sustained burning is the definition of fire point, which is higher.Eliminate unrelated terms (flame temperature, preheat for 25 cSt). Verification / Alternative check: Standard test methods (e.g., Pensky-Martens closed cup) explicitly define the observation at flash point as transient. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Fire point: Requires sustained combustion, not momentary flash. Flame temperature: Refers to combustion adiabatic flame values, unrelated to ignition test definitions. Preheating for 25 cSt: A burner handling condition, not an ignition property. Common Pitfalls: Using flash and fire point interchangeably; always distinguish transient vs sustained burning. Final Answer: Flash point

Question 8

Sweetening of petroleum fractions – role of solutizer In caustic-based mercaptan sweetening, which additive is used as a solutizer to improve phase contact and reaction rate with the hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Refinery “sweetening” processes convert odorous, corrosive mercaptans in light petroleum fractions into less objectionable disulphides. In caustic systems, mass transfer between the aqueous caustic phase and the hydrocarbon phase can limit reaction rates. A solutizer is added to improve mutual solubility and contact. Given Data / Assumptions: Process: caustic-based sweetening (e.g., Merox type), not the classical Doctor test reagent alone. Additives considered: phenolic solutizers vs non-solutizer species. Objective: identify the solutizer used with caustic. Concept / Approach: Phenolic compounds (e.g., phenol, cresols/cresylic acid) are classic solutizers that increase the distribution of caustic into the hydrocarbon phase and stabilise catalytic activity, thereby accelerating mercaptan oxidation to disulphides. Sodium plumbite is associated with the Doctor test chemistry, not the solutizer role. Alcohols like methanol may aid phase behaviour in some systems but the exam-standard answer for “solutizer with caustic” is phenolic (phenol/cresols). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the need for better phase contact in caustic sweetening.Recall phenol/cresols as traditional solutizers added to caustic.Select phenol as the representative solutizer from the list. Verification / Alternative check: Training materials for caustic extraction/sweetening list cresylic acids or phenol as solutizers to enhance mercaptan conversion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Methanol: Not the canonical solutizer answer in exam context. Sodium plumbite: Doctor solution reagent, different function. Potassium isobutyrate: Not a standard additive for this purpose. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up odorant/Doctor solutions with sweetening catalysts and solutizers; each has a distinct role. Final Answer: Phenol

Question 9

Bulk property of crude oils What is a representative range for the average molecular weight of whole crude oil as cited in introductory refining references?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Crude oil is a complex mixture of thousands of hydrocarbons. While individual molecules span a very wide range, an average molecular weight for the bulk crude is useful for rough calculations and for appreciating how crude heaviness varies across fields. Given Data / Assumptions: We seek a commonly cited representative range (not an absolute for every crude). Introductory exam context favors mid-range values typical of medium crudes. The options bracket light to very heavy values. Concept / Approach: Average molecular weight figures reported for many medium crudes often lie in the low-hundreds. Values near 230–250 are frequently quoted as representative. Heavier numbers (450–850) would suggest very heavy residues/asphalt fractions rather than whole-crude averages, while very low values (~100) correspond to narrow light fractions, not total crude. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify mid-range values around 200–300 as “typical” whole-crude averages.Map options: 230–250 matches this expectation best.Select 230–250. Verification / Alternative check: Basic refining texts and problem books often adopt ~230 as a convenient average for worked examples. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 100–120: Too low for whole crude; closer to light naphtha ranges. 450–550 / 600–850: More indicative of heavy fractions or residues, not whole-crude averages. Common Pitfalls: Assuming one universal average for all crudes; the question asks for a representative range, not a constant. Final Answer: 230-250

Question 10

Lubricants and aviation fuels – property priorities For aircraft engines and aviation service, which of the following choices reflects the preferred property direction among the listed options?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Aviation places stringent demands on both fuels and lubricants due to wide ambient temperatures and critical reliability. While many properties matter, the options here contrast two lube-oil viscosity-index choices and an obviously undesirable aviation-fuel attribute, testing whether you can identify the most suitable direction. Given Data / Assumptions: Engines experience large temperature swings during climb and cruise. Viscosity index (VI) expresses viscosity–temperature stability of lubricants. For fuels, freezing point must be low, not high, to avoid wax crystallisation at altitude. Concept / Approach: A higher VI lubricant changes viscosity less with temperature, ensuring adequate film at high temperatures yet acceptable flow during cold starts at altitude. Conversely, a low VI oil thins excessively when hot and thickens excessively when cold. For fuels, the requirement is a low freezing point; therefore “high freezing point” is explicitly undesirable. Step-by-Step Solution: Eliminate “high freezing point aviation fuel” as undesirable; aviation needs low freezing point.Between high and low VI oils, high VI is strongly preferred for wide-range operation.Choose “High viscosity index lube oil.” Verification / Alternative check: OEM recommendations emphasise multigrade/high-VI oils for aircraft piston engines and stable viscosity behaviour for turbines (with specific specs), supporting the general preference for higher VI in challenging thermal profiles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Low VI oil: Poor viscosity stability across temperatures. High freezing point fuel: Risks waxing/flow blockage at altitude. None of these: Incorrect because one option is clearly preferred. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “thicker is always better”; in aviation, controlled viscosity across temperature is the priority, not maximum thickness at one point. Final Answer: High viscosity index lube oil

Question 11

Catalytic polymerisation – correctness of statements Which statement(s) about acid-catalysed polymerisation for gasoline production is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Acid-catalysed polymerisation of light olefins (e.g., from FCC gas) produces higher olefins that, after hydrogenation or finishing, become gasoline-range blend components. Exam questions often contrast the sulphuric-acid liquid process with solid-phosphoric-acid processes and ask you to identify accurate statements. Given Data / Assumptions: Liquid H2SO4 is a classic polymerisation catalyst for light olefins. Solid phosphoric acid (H3PO4 on support) is a different process. Statements mix details from different technologies. Concept / Approach: The direct product of H2SO4 polymerisation is a mixture containing significant unsaturation (higher olefins). These are typically hydrogenated to improve stability before blending. The claim that, in H2SO4 polymerisation, H3PO4 is “always used with 2 percent steam to prevent meta & ortho H3PO4 formation” is incorrect and conflates distinct technologies; steam conditioning applies to solid phosphoric acid catalysts, not to liquid sulphuric acid systems in the manner described. Step-by-Step Solution: Assess statement (a): product unsaturation prior to finishing is a known characteristic → True.Assess statement (b): mixes SPA practice with H2SO4 process and states an absolute → False.Therefore, only (a) is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Process descriptions of polymer gasoline units show a hydrogenation finishing step after H2SO4 polymerisation to stabilise product by saturating double bonds. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b): Technically incorrect; wrong process attribution and unjustified “always.” Both / Neither: Do not match the true/false evaluation. Common Pitfalls: Confusing polymerisation with alkylation or merging liquid sulphuric acid and solid phosphoric acid operating details. Final Answer: H2SO4 polymerisation yields gasoline rich in unsaturates before finishing

Question 12

Solutizer sweetening processes in refining: In the context of “solutizer” sweetening, which solutizer solutions are correctly matched with their respective processes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Sweetening processes in petroleum refining aim to remove or convert odorous, corrosive sulphur compounds (especially mercaptans) to produce “sweet” products. A special subset, called solutizer processes, employs a co-solvent (the solutizer) to enhance the distribution and reactivity of mercaptans or their salts between hydrocarbon and treating phases. This question tests recognition of the correct solutizer–process pairings for two classic routes: Unisol and Mercapsol. Given Data / Assumptions: Unisol and Mercapsol are established names for solutizer-style mercaptan treating. Solutizers are additives that improve phase behaviour and reaction efficiency. We need to identify the correctly matched solutizer with each named process. Concept / Approach: In the Unisol process, methanol is employed as the solutizer. It improves the transfer of mercaptans into the treating phase and facilitates formation and handling of mercaptides for subsequent conversion/stripping. In the Mercapsol process, naphthenic acid acts as the solutizer (forming soaps/naphthenates in alkaline media), similarly enhancing the separation and conversion behaviour of mercaptans. Recognising these canonical pairings is a common refinery-operations trivia point. Step-by-Step Solution: Confirm Unisol pairing: Unisol ⇨ methanol as solutizer.Confirm Mercapsol pairing: Mercapsol ⇨ naphthenic acid as solutizer.Compare with answer choices and select the option that includes both correct matches. Verification / Alternative check: Older refinery handbooks and training notes list Unisol (methanol) and Mercapsol (naphthenic acid) as example solutizer systems distinct from straight caustic extraction or catalytic oxidation-only schemes (e.g., Merox). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Methanol in Unisol alone: Incomplete, misses the Mercapsol pairing. Naphthenic acid in Mercapsol alone: Incomplete for this multi-select style stem. Neither (a) nor (b): Contradicts standard references. Aqueous ammonia in both: Not a canonical solutizer pair for these named processes. Common Pitfalls: Confusing Merox (mercaptan oxidation with caustic) with solutizer-enhanced extraction schemes; assuming any alcohol or acid qualifies as a solutizer without considering the specific trademarked process. Final Answer: Both (a) and (b)

Question 13

Aromatics extraction (Edeleanu process): In the classical Edeleanu process used for dearomatisation of kerosene-range stocks, the solvent employed is:

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Before modern extractive-solvent systems became common, the Edeleanu process was widely cited for removing aromatics from kerosene-range fractions to improve smoke point and colour. The heart of any extraction process is the solvent that selectively dissolves the target species. This question asks you to identify the characteristic solvent used by the Edeleanu route. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed: kerosene/naphtha-range cuts requiring dearomatisation. Goal: reduce aromatics to improve burning quality (e.g., higher smoke point). Legacy process name: Edeleanu. Concept / Approach: The Edeleanu process uses liquid sulphur dioxide (liquid SO2) as the selective solvent. Liquid SO2 preferentially dissolves aromatics over paraffins/naphthenes at controlled temperature, enabling phase separation and recovery. Alternative solvents (furfural, phenol, sulfolane) are associated with other extraction processes, typically for lube base stocks or aromatics recovery but not the original Edeleanu scheme for kerosene dearomatisation. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the named pairing: “Edeleanu ⇨ liquid SO2.”Eliminate common but incorrect extraction solvents used in other units (furfural/phenol/sulfolane) and non-extractive solvents (propane).Select “Liquid SO2.” Verification / Alternative check: Historic refining texts and exam guides explicitly state liquid SO2 for the Edeleanu process, distinguishing it from furfural or phenol extraction used in lube refining. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Furfural/Phenol/Sulfolane: Valid extraction solvents in other units, not the Edeleanu original. Propane: Used in deasphalting or dewaxing contexts, not aromatic extraction. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any polar solvent fits all extraction processes; names matter in legacy refining terminology. Final Answer: Liquid SO2

Question 14

Purpose of Mercapsol and Unisol: Mercapsol and Unisol are refinery treating processes designed primarily for which objective?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Refinery product quality depends on removing corrosive and odorous compounds. Mercaptans (thiols) are particularly problematic in light distillates due to their strong odour and corrosivity. Several named treating processes target them, including Mercapsol and Unisol, which are often grouped as solutizer-based systems. Given Data / Assumptions: Mercapsol/Unisol are not distillation or cracking processes; they are finishing/treating steps. They use co-solvents (solutizers) to facilitate mercaptan transfer and reaction. Goal is to convert or remove mercaptans to achieve “sweet” product. Concept / Approach: Both processes focus on mercaptan removal/neutralisation, either by facilitating extraction of mercaptans into an alkaline phase (forming mercaptides) or by improving subsequent conversion pathways to less odorous species. They are distinct from dearomatisation (which targets aromatic hydrocarbons) and from dewaxing (which targets paraffinic wax components). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the contaminant class: mercaptans in light distillates.Recall the role of solutizers in Mercapsol/Unisol systems.Select “Removal of mercaptans.” Verification / Alternative check: Training notes on product sweetening list Mercapsol/Unisol alongside Merox and caustic wash methods, all aimed at reducing mercaptan sulphur. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Dearomatisation: Targets aromatics, not sulphur species. Dewaxing: Targets wax; different equipment and solvents. Decoloration/Desalting: Different contaminants (colour bodies/salts and water). Common Pitfalls: Confusing “sweetening” with colour improvement; sweetening relates to sulphur odour/corrosivity. Final Answer: Removal of mercaptans

Question 15

Thermal effects in refining reactions: Select the clearly endothermic reaction (dominantly positive heat of reaction under typical refining conditions) from the following list.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Process heat effects determine reactor design, heat integration, and catalyst life in refineries. Some conversions absorb heat (endothermic), while others release heat (exothermic). This question asks you to identify the reaction that is unambiguously endothermic under standard refining conditions. Given Data / Assumptions: Representative reactions: cracking, hydrocracking, dehydrogenation, polymerisation, alkylation. Typical refinery temperatures and pressures are assumed. We focus on the sign of the heat of reaction (endothermic vs exothermic). Concept / Approach: Breaking C–H bonds and removing hydrogen (dehydrogenation) requires energy input, making the reaction endothermic. In contrast, reactions that create more saturated products (hydrogenation components of hydrocracking and alkylation) are exothermic. Polymerisation of olefins releases heat as new C–C bonds form. While cracking steps often require furnace heat input, the reaction list includes one case that is thermochemically definitive: dehydrogenation of naphthenes to aromatics (e.g., cyclohexane to benzene + 3 H2) is strongly endothermic at reforming conditions. Step-by-Step Solution: Evaluate hydrocracking: net exothermic due to hydrogenation of fragments.Evaluate alkylation/polymerisation: bond formation dominates → exothermic.Evaluate dehydrogenation: removal of hydrogen requires energy → endothermic.Select “Dehydrogenation of a naphthene to form an aromatic.” Verification / Alternative check: Reforming textbooks emphasise external firing and high-severity heat input to drive dehydrogenation/aromatization; hydrogen generation is an indicator of endothermicity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Catalytic cracking: Requires heat input but often considered endothermic with complex side reactions; however, among the listed, dehydrogenation is the most clear-cut endothermic case. Hydrocracking: Net exothermic due to hydrogen addition. Polymerisation: Exothermic from C–C bond formation. Alkylation: Exothermic condensation of isoparaffin with olefin. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any process that “needs a furnace” is the clearest endothermic choice; thermochemical certainty is strongest for dehydrogenation in this list. Final Answer: Dehydrogenation of a naphthene to form an aromatic

Question 16

Crude oil family vs by-products: Both asphalt (bitumen) and wax can be obtained in significant quantities from which base type of crude oil?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Crude oils are often classified by their predominant hydrocarbon families as paraffinic, naphthenic (asphaltic), or mixed. This classification affects residue composition and, consequently, which by-products are obtainable in meaningful yield: waxes from paraffinic content and asphalt (bitumen) from asphaltic/naphthenic content. The question probes which crude family provides both in notable amounts. Given Data / Assumptions: Paraffinic crudes: wax-rich residues but less asphaltic content. Naphthenic/asphaltic crudes: higher asphaltenes/resins (bitumen) but lower wax. Mixed-base crudes: contain appreciable amounts of both families. Concept / Approach: A mixed-base crude contains substantial paraffinics and naphthenics, allowing the refinery to recover wax from more paraffinic distillate/residue fractions and asphalt/bitumen from the asphaltic residue. Purely paraffinic crudes yield excellent wax but limited asphalt; purely naphthenic crudes give strong asphalt yields but little wax. Hence, mixed-base crudes uniquely support recovery of both products in significant quantities. Step-by-Step Solution: Map product to crude type: wax ⇨ paraffinic; asphalt ⇨ naphthenic.Identify the crude family offering both traits: mixed base.Select “Mixed base crude (paraffinic–naphthenic).” Verification / Alternative check: Assay experience shows mixed-base crudes provide residues with intermediate wax/asphaltene balances, enabling production of both wax (post-dewaxing) and paving-grade bitumen (post vacuum processing). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Naphthenic only: Asphaltic-rich but wax-lean. Asphalt base only: Same limitation; wax poor. Paraffin base only: Wax rich, asphalt poor. Ultra-light condensate: Too light; minimal residue for either product. Common Pitfalls: Thinking the presence of any heavy residue automatically implies both asphalt and wax; the colloidal and compositional balance matters. Final Answer: Mixed base crude (paraffinic–naphthenic)

Question 17

Commercial source of petroleum coke: Petroleum coke used by industry is predominantly produced by which refining process?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Petroleum coke (petcoke) is a solid carbonaceous by-product widely used for anodes and fuels. Multiple refinery units can produce minor coke, but commercial petcoke production is associated with a specific thermal cracking process that converts heavy residues into lighter products and solid carbon. Given Data / Assumptions: Feed: vacuum residue or heavy resid streams. Objective: maximise distillate yield and produce solid coke as a by-product. Equipment options: visbreaker, FCC, hydrocracker, coker. Concept / Approach: Delayed coking thermally cracks heavy residues in drums at high temperature and moderate pressure, allowing coke to precipitate and build as the cracked vapours leave for fractionation. While FCC generates coke on catalyst (burned off during regeneration) and visbreaking limits overcracking to avoid excessive coke, the unit designed to intentionally produce bulk coke is the delayed coker. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the unit built to make marketable coke: delayed coker.Distinguish from FCC coke-on-catalyst (non-product) and visbreaking (minimises coke).Select “Delayed coking.” Verification / Alternative check: Refinery block flow diagrams show delayed coking routing vacuum residue to coke drums; product slabbing/cutting confirms commercial petcoke recovery. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Hydrocracking: Uses hydrogen to avoid coke; target is distillates. Visbreaking: Mild thermal cracking aiming to reduce viscosity with minimal coke. FCC: Coke forms on catalyst and is burned in regenerator, not sold as product. Solvent deasphalting: Separates asphaltenes; not a coking process. Common Pitfalls: Equating any coke formation in a unit with commercial petcoke production; only coking drums produce sellable solid coke. Final Answer: Delayed coking

Question 18

Interpreting aniline point for diesel: A high aniline point value for a diesel sample most strongly indicates that the fuel is:

Accepted Answer

Introduction: The aniline point is the minimum temperature at which equal volumes of aniline and the test oil are completely miscible. It serves as a proxy for aromaticity: aromatics dissolve more readily in aniline, so aromatic-rich fuels have lower aniline points; paraffinic fuels require higher temperature to mix and therefore have higher aniline points. This question asks what a high aniline point implies for diesel fuel composition and behaviour. Given Data / Assumptions: Equal-volume aniline mixing test. We correlate aniline point with hydrocarbon family predominance. Typical diesel-range hydrocarbon distribution is assumed. Concept / Approach: A high aniline point indicates low aromatic content and a more paraffinic character. Paraffinic diesel typically exhibits higher cetane number and shorter ignition delay, not the reverse. Diesel index (an empirical quality metric) tends to be higher for paraffinic, low-aromatic fuels, aligning with higher aniline points. Step-by-Step Solution: Relate aniline point to aromatic content: high AP ⇨ low aromatics ⇨ more paraffinic.Connect to ignition quality: paraffinic structure ⇨ higher cetane ⇨ reduced ignition delay.Select the statement “Highly paraffinic.” Verification / Alternative check: Specifications and textbooks often correlate aniline point with diesel index and cetane: higher AP coincides with improved ignition quality and reduced aromaticity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Highly aromatic: Would imply low AP, not high. Large ignition delay: Paraffinic fuels tend to have shorter ignition delay. Low diesel index: Contradicts the positive correlation with high AP. Dominated by PNAs: Again implies low AP. Common Pitfalls: Assuming higher AP means better solvency in aniline; it actually means the opposite at low temperature, signalling lower aromatic content. Final Answer: Highly paraffinic

Question 19

Targeting unsaturates and BTX: Which refining/chemical process is specifically aimed at producing higher yields of gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbons and aromatics such as benzene and toluene?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Different refinery and petrochemical processes emphasise different product slates. When the objective is to maximise light olefins (ethylene, propylene) and generate aromatics like benzene/toluene (BTX range), high-severity thermal processes are typically used. This question asks you to select the process most closely associated with producing unsaturates and BTX. Given Data / Assumptions: Product targets: gaseous olefins and BTX aromatics. Candidate processes: reforming, pyrolysis, alkylation, hydrocracking, isomerisation. Concept / Approach: Pyrolysis (e.g., steam cracking) is an extremely high-temperature thermal cracking process that breaks larger hydrocarbons into smaller fragments rich in unsaturated molecules (ethylene, propylene, butadiene) and also forms aromatics (benzene, toluene) via cyclisation and dehydrogenation pathways in the pyrolysis gasoline by-product. By contrast, catalytic reforming (reforming) increases aromatics primarily from naphthenes but does not target gaseous olefins; alkylation consumes olefins; hydrocracking saturates and cracks to make paraffins; isomerisation rearranges without increasing unsaturation. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the process that maximises unsaturates: pyrolysis/steam cracking.Note that pyrolysis gasoline contains BTX aromatics.Select “Pyrolysis.” Verification / Alternative check: Petrochemical complexes use steam crackers (pyrolysis) as the primary source of ethylene/propylene and as a route to pyrolysis gasoline for BTX extraction units. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reforming: Produces aromatics from naphtha but not high gaseous olefins yield. Alkylation: Consumes olefins; produces saturated isoparaffins. Hydrocracking: Hydrogen-rich, yielding saturated distillates. Isomerisation: Rearranges without significantly changing saturation level. Common Pitfalls: Assuming reforming equals maximum aromatics and thus best answer; the question emphasises gaseous unsaturates, which points to pyrolysis. Final Answer: Pyrolysis

Question 20

Isomerisation catalysts: Among the options below, which catalyst has been classically used in refinery isomerisation processes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Isomerisation rearranges the carbon skeleton of paraffins (e.g., normal butane to isobutane, or C5–C6 normal paraffins to isoparaffins) to boost octane or provide feed for alkylation. Catalysts can be homogeneous (Lewis acids) or heterogeneous (noble metal on halogenated supports). The question asks for a classic catalyst associated with refinery isomerisation history. Given Data / Assumptions: We compare well-known catalysts from different process families. Focus is on established textbook associations. Concept / Approach: Historically, aluminium chloride (AlCl3) served as a Lewis acid catalyst for isomerisation (and related carbocation chemistry) under specific conditions. Modern units more commonly employ platinum on chlorided alumina for C5–C6 isomerisation or solid acids, but AlCl3 remains the classical answer. Alumina by itself is largely an inert support, nickel is chiefly a hydrogenation catalyst, and phosphoric acid is associated with polymerisation of olefins (not isomerisation). Copper chromite is used in other hydrogenation/dehydrogenation services, not as a primary isomerisation catalyst. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify classic Lewis acid used historically in isomerisation: AlCl3.Eliminate catalysts tied to other processes (phosphoric acid ↔ polymerisation, nickel ↔ hydrogenation).Select “Aluminium chloride.” Verification / Alternative check: Older refinery literature and exam syllabi reference AlCl3 for isomerisation, while noting modern Pt/chlorided alumina systems for contemporary units. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Alumina only: Support, lacks necessary acidity. Nickel: Hydrogenation/dehydrogenation rather than skeletal isomerisation. Phosphoric acid: Polymerisation catalyst for olefins. Copper chromite: Not the standard isomerisation catalyst for paraffins. Common Pitfalls: Conflating polymerisation catalysts with isomerisation catalysts due to both involving carbocation-type chemistry in some systems. Final Answer: Aluminium chloride

Petroleum Refinery Engineering Questions